Antioxidant activity of extract from gamma irradiated guava (Psidium guajava L.) seeds

The objective this study was to study the antioxidant activity efficiency of extracts from irradiated defatted guava (Psidium guajava L.) seeds at dose levels of 0, 2, 4 and 6 kGy. The non-irradiated and irradiated defatted guava seeds samples were extracted with acetone: water: acetic acid (90:9.5:0.5). Immediately after irradiation, the antioxidant activity was studied. Gas chromatographic-Mass spectrum was applied to identify and quantify the constituents (%) of extracts and the amino acids composition was determined in all samples under investigation of defatted guava seeds powder. The measurements of the antioxidant activity, using a ?-carotene-linoleate model system and radical scavenging capacity effect on 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, was determined in the extracts of non-irradiated and irradiated defatted guava seeds powder. Meanwhile, noodles (homemade strips macaroni) were prepared from blends of 72% wheat flour containing 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% levels of non-irradiated defatted guava seeds powder. The results showed that samples of extracts from non-irradiated and irradiated defatted guava seeds had contained a considerable total polyphenolic compounds and marked scavenging activity on DPHH radical. On the other hand , the gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectroscopy (MS) separation technique led to identification of 26 components the of extract non-irradiated and irradiated samples. Also, the data revealed that guava seeds powder samples under investigation passes the most important essential amino acids and for human health such as trace elements iron, zinc and manganese. Noodles prepared from 2.5% level of guava seeds powder-wheat flour blend had high acceptable quality. Thus, guava seeds, a waste from guava industry can be utilized improved nutritional properties of noodles or used its extracts as natural antioxidant in food industry field. Key words: Guava Seeds/ Antioxidant/ Extract/ Gamma irradiation

EFFECT OF ADDITIVES ON IN-VITRO RELEASE OF ORODISPERSIBLE DOSAGE FORM

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to prepare orodispersible tablets of meloxicam using various concentrations of superdisintegrants like Ac-DI-Sol, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate by the direct compression method. Methods: Nine formulae of Meloxicam orodispersible tablets were prepared. These tablets were evaluated for their drug content, weight variation, friability, hardness, wetting time, In-vitro disintegration time and drug release.Results: All the formulation exhibited hardness between 4.21–4.55 kg/cm2. The tablets were disintegrating within 8.3 to 21.9 sec. Dissolution studies revealed that formula containing 7.5 % sodium starch glycolate showed 100% of drug release, at the end of six minutes. Among the formulated tablets, formula F9 containing 7.5 % sodium starch glycolate showed superior organoleptic properties along with excellent In-vitro disintegration time and drug release as compared to other formulae. The concentration of superdisintegrants had an effect on disintegration time and In-vitro drug dissolution whereas hardness and friability of resulting tablets were found to be independent of disintegrant concentration. It was concluded that the superdisintegrants addition technique is a useful method for preparing orodispersible tablets by the direct compression method.Â

First-trimester rupture of a scarred uterus after use of sublingual misoprostol: a case report

Uterine rupture is a disastrous obstetric complication, occurring mostly in the second and third trimesters. The risk of uterine rupture markedly increases with previous uterine surgeries. Termination of early pregnancy failure using misoprostol is common. However, its use in women with a scarred uterus is speculative and usually puts the obstetricians in a stressful situation. Here we present a case of rupture of a scarred uterus in the first trimester after sublingual misoprostol. A 35 years old multiparous woman presented with uterine rupture after administration of small doses of sublingual misoprostol for termination of early pregnancy failure. Immediate laparotomy was done and the defect was repaired. Termination of early pregnancy failure, in women with a scarred uterus, using sublingual misoprostol can lead to uterine rupture. Sublingual misoprostol should be used cautiously under close supervision or other routes (vaginal or oral) should be used instead

Evolution of second trimester low implanted placenta to previa at term: a prospective cohort study

Background: The objective of this study is to identify the percentage of low implanted placenta (LIP) at second trimester of pregnancy and identify the risk factors of its persistence to placenta previa (PP) at term.Methods: Through a registered prospective cohort study conducted at tertiary hospital in Upper Egypt, authors screened all pregnant ladies comes to present facility for antenatal second trimester USG between 18-24 weeks gestation. All participants interviewed for detailed risk factors of placenta previa. Those diagnosed to have a LIP (≤1.5 cm from the internal os) had had TVS to confirm the exact distance between the lower edge of the placenta and the internal os. Serial USG had been done every 4 weeks up to delivery to measure the same distance. The primary outcome was the percentage of LIP at 18-24 weeks. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for PP at term.Results: Through screening of 1000 pregnant lady, LIP had been identified in (52 cases) 5.2% of pregnant women between 18-24 weeks. This percentage dropped gradually to reach 1.3% at 36 weeks of gestation and at time of delivery. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the distance between the internal os and the lower edge of the placenta between 18-24 weeks was the single significant variable associated with PP at term (p<0.001, odds ratio 0.319, 95% CI 0.20-0.50). However, excluding the distance from the regression model demonstrated other risk factors as previous miscarriage, previous cesarean section (CS), and history of multiple pregnancies and history of previous PP.Conclusions: About 5.0% of pregnant women have LIP at the second trimester of pregnancy (18-24 weeks) and only 25.0 % of them remain placenta previa at term. A cut-off value of 10 mm between the internal os and the lower edge of the placenta is the most important predictor of development of PP

Carbetocin versus Oxytocin and Misoprostol in prevention of atonic post-partum hemorrhage in high risk patients planed for cesarean delivery

Background: Post-partum hemorrhage prevention (PPH) is considered a major issue due to its effect on maternal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy of Carbetocin in prevention of atonic post-partum hemorrhage in high risk patients undergoing elective caesarean section in comparison to Oxytocin and Misoprostol.Methods: 150 pregnant women prepared for elective caesarean section were classified into 3 groups; Group I (50 patients received Carbetocin 100 mg I.V infusion), Group II (50 patients received 20 IU of Oxytocin infusion on 1000 ml of normal saline solution) and Group III (50 cases received Misoprostol 400 µg per rectum immediately before induction of anaesthesia). Assessment of PPH and its degree was determined according to amount of blood loss during and for first 24 hours of caesarean delivery, also further need for haemostatic measures were also assessed.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in PPH among the three groups 6, 14 and 12% for group I, II and III respectively (P <0.001), major PPH was 0, 4 and 6% for the same groups respectively (P <0.001). The need for additional uterotonic agents was significantly lesser in Group I compared to Group II and III (2% versus 8 and 12% respectively P = 0.02) also the need for additional surgical measures was significantly lesser among the three groups (P= 0.00). The drop in Hb level and haematocrit value was significantly lesser in group I compared to group II& III (P <0.05). The need for blood transfusion was significantly lesser in Group I compared to group II and III (0% versus 12% p <0.0001)Conclusions: Carbetocin was superior to Oxytocin and Misoprostol in prevention of atonic PPH in high risk patients underwent elective caesarean delivery. Carbetocin should be administered for all cases undergoing elective CS and carry a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage.

Characterization, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Phragmanthera austroarabica A. G. Mill and J. A. Nyberg extract

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that exhibited great expansion all over the world. It is becoming an epidemic disease adding a major burden to the health care system, particularly in developing countries.MethodsThe plant under investigation in the current study Phragmanthera austroarabica A. G. Mill and J. A. Nyberg is traditionally used in Saudi Arabia for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The methanolic extract (200 mg/kg) of the plant and pure gallic acid (40 mg/kg), a major metabolite of the plant, as well as their silver nanoparticle formulae (AgNPs) were evaluated for their antidiabetic activity.Results and DiscussionThe results showed a decrease in body fat, obesity, an improvement in lipid profiles, normalization of hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia, and an improvement in liver tissue structure and function. However, the results obtained from AgNPs for both extract and the pure gallic acid were better in most measured parameters. Additionally, the activity of both the crude extract of the plant and its AgNPs were evaluated against a number of gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Although the activity of the crude extract ranged from moderate to weak or even non-active, the AgNPs of the plant extract clearly enhanced the antimicrobial activity. AgNPs of the extract demonstrated remarkable activity, especially against the Gram-negative pathogens Proteus vulgaris (MIC 2.5 μg/ml) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 5 μg/ml). Furthermore, a promising antimicrobial activity was shown against the Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus mutants (MIC 1.25 μg/ml)

Mitigation Voltage Sag Using DVR with Power Distribution Networks for Enhancing the Power System Quality

The fast developments in power electronic technology have made it possible to mitigate voltage disturbances in power system. Among the voltage disturbances challenging the industry, the voltage sags are considered the most important problem to the sensitive loads. The Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is mainly used in a utility grid to protect the sensitive loads from power quality problems, such as voltage sags and swells. However, the effectiveness of the DVR can wane under unbalanced grid voltage conditions. DVR is recognized to be the best effective solution to overcome this problem. The primary advantage of the DVR is keeping the users always on-line with high quality constant voltage maintaining the continuity of production. In this paper, the usefulness of including DVR in distribution system for the purpose of voltage sag and swell mitigation is described. This paper describes the DVR operation strategies and control. The DVR operation with the distribution networks is found very efficient for detecting and clearing any power quality disturbance in distribution systems. Results of simulation using MATLAB/Simulink are demonstrated to prove the usefulness of this DVR design and operation to enhance the power system quality

Improving the mechanical behavior of pervious concrete using polypropylene and waste rope fibers

Urbanization has led to the damage of infrastructure due to floods and water accumulation on roads and sidewalks. To address this problem, pervious concrete was designed to drain water smoothly. However, pervious concrete has certain drawbacks, such as brittleness and poor tensile strength. To overcome these shortcomings, it is reinforced with fiber. Polypropylene fibers are commonly used for this purpose. On the other hand, managing waste plastic is a major problem as it has a significant environmental impact and requires large areas for landfills. Waste rope fibers (WRF) are among these wastes. There have been very limited investigations on the use of WRF in pervious concrete. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of polypropylene (PP) fibers and waste rope fibers (WRF) on the mechanical and structural properties of pervious concrete. PP and WRF fibers were added in proportions of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% by volume of concrete. A range of tests (compressive strength, tensile strength, density, permeability, load-deflection behavior, and ductility) were conducted to evaluate the resulting concrete. The results indicated that although the permeability was decreased by adding fibers, the fibers significantly improved the mechanical and structural properties of pervious concrete. The highest values for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and ultimate load were 83.4%, 72.4%, and 89.62% for PP fibers-based mixtures, while they were 49.9%, 41.9%, and 102.83% for mixtures made with WRF at an addition rate of 0.5% for both types of fibers. The results also demonstrated that the existence of fibers improved the ductility of the concrete, which means that WRF can be used successfully in producing eco-friendly pervious concrete with better performance than the control specimen.</jats:p

Entwicklung nachhaltiger Pflanzenschutzstrategien zur Bek_mpfung von Schadschmetterlingen im olivenanbau

Current olive growing practices range from the traditional Mediterranean olive grove to intensively managed olive plantations. Insecticides against major olive pests, like the olive moth (Prays oleae, Lep.: Yponomeutidae) and the jasmine moth, (Palpita unionalis, Lep.: Pyralidae) are still applied frequently. The European Union-funded international research project TRIPHELIO is aimed at the development of economically feasible and sustainable insecticide-free control methods for key Lepidopterous pests of olive. Main research activities focus on (1) the use of pheromones for mating disruption and improved monitoring of target pests, (2) habitat management strategies to enhance the activity of natural enemies in the olive grove, and (3) the use of inundative releases of mass-reared egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma. Moreover, tools for successful integration of the methods developed into an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for olive pests were explored by optimising techniques for surveillance as well as considering potential side-effects of common pesticides on beneficial organisms. An intense exchange of scientific information and technology between European and North African countries was undertaken to create solutions for a wide range of olive growing regions. Key results and recommendations for further essential steps towards practical implementation are presented in this publication.Zusammenfassung Traditionelle, extensiv bearbeitete Olivenhaine, aber auch moderne Intensiv-Plantagen mit k_nstlicher Bew_sserung und hohem Einsatz von D_ngern bzw. chemischen Pflanzenschutzmitteln kennzeichnen die derzeitigen verschiedenen Anbauformen der Olive im Mittelmeerraum. Schadlepidopteren wie die Olivenmotte (Prays oleae, Lep.: Yponomeutidae) und die Jasminmotte (Palpita unionalis, Lep.: Pyralidae) werden durch regelm_ssigen Insektizideinsatz bek_mpft. Das von der EU gef_rderte internationale Forschungsprojekt TRIPHELIO zielte auf die Entwicklung insektizidfreier Alternativmethoden durch (1) die Optimierung der pheromongest _tzten _berwachung und Verwirrtechnik, (2) der Anwendung von Habitatmanagement-Strategien zur F_rderung nat_rlicher Gegenspieler, und (3) dem Einsatz von Trichogramma-Schlupfwespen. Zus_tzlich wurden Module f_r eine optimale Anwendung biotechnischer und biologischer Methoden bez_glich der Ph_nologie der Schadinsekten und m_glicher Nebenwirkungen von Pestiziden erarbeitet. Die intensive Kooperation zwischen Wissenschaftlern und Praktikern aus mehreren L_ndern Europas und Nordafrikas erlaubte den Entwurf m_glicher L_sungsans_tze f_r verschiedene Anbaubedingungen und klimatische Regionen des Mittelmeerraumes. Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse und Ausblicke f_r eine zuk_nftige praktische Umsetzung werden in dieser Ver_ffentlichung beschrieben

HPLC method with monolithic column for simultaneous determination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide in tablets

A simple, sensitive and accurate HPLC method with high throughput has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of irbesartan (IRB) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in combined pharmaceutical dosage forms. The proposed method employed, for the first time, a monolithic column in the analysis. Optimal chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on Chromolith® Performance RP-18e column using a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer (pH 4):acetonitrile (50:50, V/V) pumped isocratically at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min–1. The eluted analytes were monitored with a UV detector set at 270 nm. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, linear relationship with a good correlation coefficient (R ≥ 0.9997) was found between the peak area and the corresponding concentrations of both IRB and HCT in the ranges of 10–200 and 1–20 ng mL–1. The limits of detection were 2.34 and 0.03 ng mL-1 for IRB and HCT, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions were satisfactory as the RSD values did not exceed 3 %. The accuracy of the proposed method was > 97 %. The proposed method had high throughput as the analysis involved a simple procedure and a very short run-time of 3 min. The results demonstrated that the method is applicable in the quality control of combined pharmaceutical tablets containing IRB and HCT